Abstract:

In this study which is built on the Galata Sheria Registers, small but effective early modern age Christian ( Catholic) state representatives’ activities are tried to put forward by focusing on the tracks of Dubrovnikians in Istanbul at the 17th century. Dubrovnik particularly established more serious ties with Balkans after it went under the rule of Ottoman at 15th century; basically it established commercial relations with other regions of Ottoman Empire. This city state’s relations with Ottomans were not only economic but also politic and diplomatic. Even though the Balkans were more considered by the Dubrovnik patricians, Istanbul, the capital city, was pretty significant for the relations which established with a great empire. The administration understood the role of diplomats and the necessity of having a Dubrovnik diplomatic chancery at the capital to take commercial measures, to prevent unfavorable situations and particularly to follow merchants settled at Ottoman cities. Even though it did not have permanent embassies as a tributary state, Dubrovnik temporary ambassadors who used to come capital to deliver the tribute money to treasure, would not hold back to interfere in dynamic diplomatic relations, they would negotiate with other state ambassadors. Furthermore ambassador assistants, dragoman, young dragoman candidates and other ambassador staff would take part at the matters about Dubrovnik. Except these staff, Dubrovnikian merchants would have been in İstanbul, live in Galata and sign commercial treaties.

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